Panchang is a Calendar followed by Hindus which also serves the Greatness and Badness in Rhyming Time Cycles5. It is made up of five basic elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (planetary alignment) and Karana (half of a tithi). All these are used to define parameters of the day and which days certain activities are appropriate.
A standard Panchang also gives the Planetary positions and any ramanujan formulas for sunrise, sunset, moonrise or moonset. It outlines shubh muhurats (factors) / suburban festivals / fasting days e. New year times still hold vegetarian under undivided ownership such as eclipses. In addition, he also defines which periods the people deify: Rahu Kaal, Gulika Kaal, and Yamaganda as being bad for starting something.
Panchang composed depends on one’s elevation due to the variation in coinciding time zones along with the solar and lunar cycles, the planetary sphers as well. It acts as a beacon for the personal and religious works whereby tranquillity and victory are achieved through merging with the universe.
Auspicious dates are those dates which are useful for conducting the most important of events such as marriages, house warming ceremonies, or launching ventures. Such dates are able to be determined through the use of the Panchang by taking into account tithis (lunar days), nakshatras (constellations), yogas and placements of different planets on a particular day. It is believed that performing activities on these dates improves the efficiency of that activity bringing more success, wealth and calm with it while minimizing loss which would otherwise result from negative timings or creating combinations of heavenly bodies which are not right.
Planetary positions are the positions occupied by celestial bodies such as the Sun, Moon, Mars, and others at a certain moment. In astrology, these positions are said to have an effect on the lives, events and energies of people on the planet. It can also be done using a Panchang, and is used to decide auspicious times, forecast possibilities, and make choices regarding relationships, career, and health, so that activities can be in line with universal law.
Hindu Calendar has lunar days known as Tithis which are based on the phases of the Moon during Shukla Paksha and during Krishna Paksha. All Tithis have some importance with respect to the religion and astrology affecting the important events, festivals, and the calculations of the auspicious times. According to the cosmic forces integration as planned for specific Tithis activities are bound to be more successful and harmonized.
In Vedic astrology, Nakshatras represent the 27 divisions of the zodiacal belt, based on the moon’s 27-day cycle. They affect individual traits, occurrence of phenomena and good times. Every Nakshatra is governed by a god and a planet, and is thus distinctive. In the Panchang too, Nakshatras determine the days for performing rituals and ceremonies as well as making astrological forecasts, in harmony with the beneficial energies of the cosmos.
Yogas are astrological combinations in the Panchang formed by the Sun and Moon’s angular relationship. There are 27 Yogas, each with unique attributes influencing events and energies. Some are auspicious, promoting success and harmony, while others are less favorable. Yogas guide the selection of ideal timings for activities, rituals, and ceremonies to align with beneficial cosmic forces.
Karanas are half-day segments of a Tithi (lunar day) in the Panchang, totaling 11 in a lunar month. They influence the quality and outcome of activities performed during their time. Each Karana has distinct characteristics, with some considered auspicious for ceremonies and ventures, while others are avoided. Karanas help align tasks with favorable cosmic energies.